悪徳

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 悪徳(あくとく) denotes morally wrong conduct or character.
• Basic usage: It strongly criticizes dishonest commercial practices or dealers, as in 悪徳商法 and 悪徳業者.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Emphasis compared with 悪質
  • 悪質(あくしつ) broadly characterizes conduct or a situation as bad or seriously objectionable. 悪徳 particularly emphasizes a violation of moral standards.